ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the prevalence of depression in different settings, in different ethnic groups and cultures, and in different sexes. It reviews the basic facts about the definition, impact, diagnostic classification and associations of affective disorders in old age. The chapter discusses how the changing age structure of the population makes management of affective disorders in old age a key priority. Two trends are particularly relevant to the subject of affective disorders in old age at the beginning of the new millennium. The first is the vast shift in the age structure of the population, now affecting virtually all continents and cultures. The second major trend is the increasing synthesis of psychological, social, physical, spiritual and pharmacological viewpoints in the understanding and management of affective disorders. In women, the association was between a history of clinical depression, physical disability and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and depression.
